[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-overthrowing-han":3,"chapter-overthrowing-han-overthrowing-han-chapter-448":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Overthrowing Han",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1223207,1620,"Chapter 448: Alone He Went into the Mortal World, Not Alone He Returns (Continued Thanks to the Silver Grand Alliance Leader Jiang)","overthrowing-han-chapter-448",448,"\u003Cp>Liu Xuande’s manner of practically charging through the pass single-rider was nothing short of a dimensional strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this moment, the so-called maneuvering of the various Xuzhou factions, and the impractical designs of certain young scholars, all appeared before him… well, laughably naive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For example, the one now rushing to the very front to offer grand obeisance was none other than Cao Hong, who had shown the greatest malice toward Liu Bei during earlier discussions of the Xuzhou situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This close minister of Tao Qian, known as a slanderous petty man, had naturally stood opposed to Mi Zhu by virtue of his position at Tao Qian’s side; thus his deepest desire was for his neighboring branch clansman Cao Cao to take over, and he had even declared he would rather the General of the Guard take Xuzhou than see his mortal rival Mi Zhu’s brother-in-law Liu Bei come here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another example: Mi Zhu, styled Mi Zizhong, who was perhaps the man in Xiapi most eager for Liu Bei’s arrival, now felt a kind of collapse upon actually seeing Liu Xuande… After all, in order to ensure Liu Bei’s smooth succession in Xuzhou, he had on one hand ceaselessly cultivated and praised Liu Bei’s virtue throughout Xiapi city, making promises to this one and giving money to that one, while on the other hand he had dispatched Pengcheng troops to the Xuzhou border to prepare to block Cao Cao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the result? Liu Bei arrived practically alone, evidently having reached an agreement directly with Tao Qian in person, making all his prior efforts and cautiousness seem so unbearably vulgar, even utterly laughable!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the most laughable of all were still Chen Deng and Xu Shu… the former, with his lake-and-sea heroic spirit, acted willfully and recklessly; the latter, with his muddled stance, could hardly be distinguished as friend or foe; and then both of them, constrained by age and breadth of vision, had presumed they could regard the heroes of the realm as nothing and recklessly undertake great affairs!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Come to think of it, historically Chen Deng only gradually matured together with Sun Shiwang after arriving in Guangling; at this moment, the entanglement between the two had not even begun. Moreover, with Liu Bei’s current posture of dominating the Jianghuai region, whether Sun Ce would even dare let his second brother show his face over here was an open question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Xu Shu, in that other timeline, he had traveled and studied throughout Jingzhou and the Central Plains until he was over thirty before emerging to become an important aide to Liu Bei during a specific period… But at this moment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because the plum rains themselves were also reluctant to leave the mortal world, this final tail-end appeared especially fierce. Dark clouds massed above Xiapi city, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and then the rain came pouring down in torrents, ceaselessly scouring the whole of Xiapi. Yet it must be said, the heated atmosphere within the hall and the downpour outside perfectly concealed the shame and embarrassment of quite a few people, including Xu Shu and Chen Deng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After everyone had finished greeting Liu Bei and with difficulty re-established their positions inside and outside the chaotic hall, serving women emerged to light candles, slightly illuminating the space, and attendants brought a Grand Commandant’s chair for Liu Bei to sit in the place of honor at Tao Qian’s side; only then was order restored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gentlemen,” Tao Qian, seeing how the situation stood, could not be bothered to say much and simply gestured casually. “I am already old and decrepit; a while ago I fell so ill I could hardly rise. Even if the Immortal Physician were here, he could only treat me for a time, but it would be hard to last long. Therefore, I had earlier intended to return the seals of General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xuzhou to Weiyang Palace in Chang’an, only the affairs of Xuzhou are so complicated that you have all refused to permit it. But now the General Who Pacifies the North, Liu of Yuzhou, has arrived. He is not only a hero acknowledged by all under heaven, but also my own niece’s husband, a man who can be relied upon. If I entrust these two seals to his keeping, could I not then calmly return to my home in Danyang to die of old age, so that the withered leaf may fall and return to its root… What do you all think? If any have doubts, step forward freely.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall fell silent for a moment, and then, under the expectant gaze of many, a person in the front row actually stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prefect Zhao, speak.” Seeing that it was Zhao Yu, the Grand Administrator of Guangling and a rare upright and incorruptible high official in the province, Tao Qian instead took it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu of Yuzhou.” Zhao Yu first bowed slightly to Liu Bei in salute, and only then opened his mouth to inquire. “I have no objection to you taking over Xuzhou, but I venture to ask, Liu of Yuzhou, having arrived here in such haste, do you have a plan to stabilize Xuzhou?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That must first be asked of Prefect Zhao.” Liu Bei, expressionless, merely inclined his body slightly from his seat and answered composedly. “Xuzhou has always been known for its stability; what disorder is there that requires me to stabilize it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even if it has always been stable, once matters of transfer are involved, people’s hearts will grow unsettled; how could it continue to be stable?” Zhao Yu replied earnestly. “And not only internally; from the outside, the current situation is still somewhat chaotic. Does Liu of Yuzhou truly have no preparations whatsoever?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Liu Bei’s expression finally shifted, and he visibly broke into a smile, forming a striking reflection with Guo Jia, who stood not far before him, smiling all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu of Yuzhou… is there something laughable in what I said?” Zhao Yu inquired earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There is nothing laughable at all.” Liu Bei immediately answered with a smile. “And that Prefect Zhao could think of this point is indeed worthy of being called loyal, prudent, upright, and pure. But I also wish to ask Prefect Zhao one thing… Disorder is divided into internal and external. If not for today’s events, how could the internal sources of disorder in Xuzhou reveal themselves? And if they do not reveal themselves, how can I properly set about pacifying the disorder? As for external disorder, even if Prefect Zhao had not mentioned it, coming from outside as I do, how could I not do my utmost to address it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Yu was momentarily speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Liu Bei, unhurried and unflustered, turned again to address the many civil and military officials of Xuzhou in the hall with frank honesty: “Gentlemen, on my way here I already had some communication with my sworn brother Cao Fenwu. That I have come here with Yide on two horses alone, he actually knew of long ago. Not only that, my brother Mengde has remained on the Pengcheng border precisely because I wrote to invite him to come specially to stabilize the situation for me… And I will not conceal from you, gentlemen, that if you permit me to temporarily hold the seals on behalf of my uncle-in-law, then after this matter is settled, I intend to entrust Langya, Pengcheng, and the five counties of Donghai Commandery north of the Yi River to my brother Mengde to administer on my behalf… After all, the Mount Tai bandits are constantly in rebellion; my brother Mengde excels in military affairs, so inviting him to take unified command of the northern front is the proper course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many in the hall felt as if they had been slapped again, their faces flushing with shame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after a brief pause, it was again Cao Hong, who held the post of Prefect of Xiapi, who was the first to leap out, bowing and praising: “So long as Cao Fenwu and Liu of Yuzhou are of one heart and one mind, the Central Plains will be united; and if the Central Plains are united, how could disorder arise in Xuzhou? This is truly excellent.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rest followed suit one after another, once again offering endless flattery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, once the hall had quieted down for a moment, Liu Bei smiled again: “Lord Cao’s words are not without flaw, though it is merely a minor flaw… For instance, even if the Central Plains are united, is there not still Hebei pressing down from above? Only, as I surmise, my brother Gongsun Wenqi is also a hero who takes the stability of all under heaven as his own duty, and he may not necessarily care overmuch about the situation in Xuzhou… Vice Director Wang, my brother, as General of the Guard, has been overseeing the court administration on behalf of the Son of Heaven before His Majesty assumes personal rule. You have come here today bearing the imperial tally; could it be that my brother has no decree for you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Lang sighed, raised the tally in both hands, and replied solemnly: “The General of the Guard has ordered that if this journey should happen to coincide with the General Who Pacifies the North, there are two formal decrees, processed through the Imperial Secretariat, for the General Who Pacifies the North and the General Who Pacifies the East.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei immediately composed his expression, rose, and bowed deeply, startling everyone in the hall, high and low, into prostrating themselves in unison. Only Tao Qian also struggled to rise, but was publicly stopped by that young deputy clerk attending Wang Lang — who was none other than Guo Jia — who declared that the General of the Guard had said that Lord Tao, being advanced in years, should be granted a special exemption from bowing and might receive the decree seated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decree was simple and direct… Liu Bei’s seal as General Who Pacifies the North was to be collected, and he was promoted to General of the Left, still concurrently Governor of Yuzhou; Tao Qian’s seals as General Who Pacifies the East and Governor of Xuzhou were to be collected, and in recognition of his advanced years and honorable return, as a special case for a veteran minister, he was granted the title of Grand Palace Grandee, with a stipend of ten thousand dan, and additionally bestowed the seal and ribbon of General of the Vanguard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of Xuzhou, including Chen Deng and Xu Shu outside the door, felt at this moment only that their minds were in a muddled haze, and moreover felt how utterly laughable their own prior thoughts and postures had been… How could they not understand now? While they themselves had been constrained by interests, by breadth of vision, by their stances, Gongsun Xun, Cao Cao, and Liu Bei had long possessed an understanding and tacit agreement regarding the ownership of Xuzhou that belonged to their own level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Cao and Liu Bei were to join hands against Hebei, so how could the two possibly contend with each other? And in line with Liu Bei’s consistent political posture of being unwilling to directly oppose Gongsun Xun, it seemed only reasonable that Cao Cao, as the alliance leader, would take the northern front and command the forward positions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the General of the Guard Gongsun Xun, from his perspective, his immediate priority should be Chang’an, because the matter of the Son of Heaven was the only major issue that could potentially shake the foundation of his rule. As for Xuzhou… it was not that Xuzhou was unimportant, but he knew full well that Tao Qian, Liu Bei, and Cao Cao, as the three founding members of the Central Plains alliance, were connected by ties of kinship and friendship, and had most likely long been in communication with one another. From Hebei’s perspective, this matter was simply a peaceful internal transfer within the Central Plains alliance!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not that they could not intervene, but the room to intervene from Tao Qian’s and Xiapi’s end was truly not great!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only, Xuzhou was simply too important; whether from Hebei’s perspective or from the standpoint of one holding state power, they always had to make their presence felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, Wang Lang carried several different decrees on his person, all formally processed through the Imperial Secretariat, but with varying content — a case of acting according to circumstances… As for Guo Jia’s obvious smile upon seeing Liu Bei earlier, on one hand it was for other reasons, and on the other, it was simply because Liu Bei’s appearance had not fallen outside the expectations of Yecheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Returning to the scene at hand, after Liu Bei and Tao Qian had together expressed gratitude to the Son of Heaven and the regent General of the Guard, Tao Qian was already fully satisfied and had no further thoughts, wishing only to return home and await death in peace and comfort. Liu Bei, however, could not help stepping forward to draw near Wang Lang and Guo Jia, and then asked a few more questions… He inquired after his brother Gongsun Wenqi’s health, whether the Elder Lady Gongsun had received the green plum wine he had sent via a messenger, and even asked a few questions about Gongsun Xun’s children, such as whether his eldest daughter Gongsun Li would reach her coming-of-age next year or the year after.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bearing of these great figures, witnessed and heard by many in the hall, left them utterly captivated… and also made Chen Deng and Xu Shu feel increasingly ashamed of themselves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In truth, the General of the Guard has been fine in other respects lately; it is only that there was a sudden earthquake in Hebei last month, which has kept him somewhat busy,” Wang Lang, an honest man, could not help but answer seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Regarding the earthquake, did those pedantic Confucians not speak up?” Liu Bei asked with a serious expression. “How did my brother handle it? I recall that even in his youth, he showed disgust at this notion of attributing celestial phenomena to human affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It was indeed so.” Wang Lang answered frankly. “After the earthquake, the General of the Guard issued a proclamation stating that such events are the normal course of heaven and earth, that man’s determination can overcome heaven, and that everyone should simply do their utmost to restore production… This inevitably sparked debate in the Imperial Academy, and there were even great Confucians who submitted memorials to the General of the Guard, asking him to halt the construction of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace on the Zhang River. Even Lord Cai Bojie, who moved to teach at the Academy just last year, went in person to remonstrate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And how did my brother respond?” Liu Bei grew even more curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He ignored it.” Wang Lang gave a wry smile. “The Bronze Sparrow Terrace did not stop either…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei looked momentarily puzzled at these words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this expression on the newly appointed General of the Left Liu Xuande, a person nearby immediately cupped his hands and sneered: “The General of the Guard is always said to honor the worthy and humble himself before the learned, to correct his faults upon realizing them, and to be frugal and uphold virtue. Yet now, on one hand he undertakes massive construction, and on the other he blocks the path of remonstrance — how can he be called wise and brilliant? Moreover, the theory of the resonance between heaven and man is the orthodox path of Confucianism. The General of the Guard oversees all of Hebei, yet the earthquake happened precisely in Hebei — is this not a sign that Heaven’s will abhors him?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei furrowed his brow slightly and remained silent for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Even in terms of the resonance between heaven and man, this is still absurd talk!” At that moment, someone suddenly stepped forward, hand on his sword, and stood before Wang Lang, rebuking the speaker with head held high. When everyone looked up, it was none other than Guo Jia, styled Guo Fengxiao, who had gained considerable renown in recent years and had been introduced upon entering before noon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is it absurd talk?!” Cao Hong stole a glance at Liu Bei, and seeing the same look of curiosity on the other’s face, then faced Guo Jia squarely with head raised. “I wish to hear your esteemed opinion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, since the disorderly rule of Huan and Ling, the state has been overturned, the realm has collapsed, and the four pillars of society have all crumbled. If we speak of the resonance between heaven and man, the realm at that time was truly a single mass of chaos! Warfare, famine, rebellion, plague, earthquakes, floods… were these things ever scarce? It was only that the calamities of war were so overwhelmingly apparent, and people struggled merely to survive, so who would pay attention to or record any portents? These anomalies and disasters could only vanish into the chaos along with the turbulent times, ending up unobserved, unmanaged, and unquestioned by anyone!” Guo Jia advanced to the center of the hall, stopped only before Tao Qian, then turned to look around at those on both sides and spoke with fervent eloquence. “And in these years since the General of the Guard has taken charge of state affairs on behalf of the throne, he has brought the realm from utter chaos to the point where a single earthquake is noticed by all — is this an achievement, or a crime? Do you gentlemen of Xuzhou truly not understand?! If there truly are so-called upright and pure men among you, how could you ask such a laughable question?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone in the hall changed color. Even Liu Bei, after letting out a heavy breath, slowly nodded: “In the past, Dong Zhuo wrought chaos within, while the forty lords of the provinces divided the realm without. That the realm can now catch its breath slightly is indeed my brother’s achievement… Or rather, in pacifying the realm and bringing the people a measure of peace, my brother’s achievement is second to none under heaven.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Jia, hearing this, suddenly smiled, yet did not even glance at Liu Bei, only fixed his gaze on the various Xuzhou people in the hall and continued: “And secondly, even if everyone submits memorials to the General of the Guard urging remonstrance, so what? As the saying goes, ‘He who receives the realm’s filth is called the lord of the altars; he who receives the realm’s misfortunes is the king of all under heaven.’ When an earthquake occurs, everyone blames neither the General of the Left, nor the General Who Displays Valor, nor the General Who Pacifies the South, nor the General Who Pacifies the West, nor the Grand Commandant Lord Liu, nor the Minister of Works Lord Yang, nor the Minister over the Masses Lord Huangfu — they only blame the General of the Guard. Is this not precisely because everyone under heaven knows that it is the General of the Guard who has truly sustained the functioning of the realm these years?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the door, muffled thunder rolled; inside the hall, everyone was as silent as cicadas in winter. Even Liu Bei abruptly turned solemn, and Tao Qian supported his forehead in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though my learning is shallow, I do know that the operation of heaven, earth, sun, moon, and the four pillars all have that upon which they depend!” After the thunder had rolled past, Guo Fengxiao continued to speak with proud disdain. “And if you gentlemen of Xuzhou have forgotten, I do not mind reminding you once more… Since the time Huan and Ling threw the realm into chaos, the Son of Heaven has been too young to govern, and then came Dong Zhuo’s deposing, enthroning, and poisoning. In that moment, the one who gathered up the rivers and mountains, who drove the realm forward with the whip, who governed all within the seas on behalf of the Son of Heaven — it was truly the General of the Guard alone! That the realm today enjoys a moment of peace and tranquility, that you can sit here in your well of Xuzhou observing the heavens and earth, recklessly debating the situation — this too is due to the grace and virtue of the General of the Guard!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By the door outside the hall, Xu Shu several times gripped the sword at his waist, and several times dejectedly released it… because he instinctively wanted to refute this man in his heart, yet found himself at a loss. The man’s words seemed like sophistry, yet they actually contained a certain logic!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pitiful Xu Yuanzhi, who had thought that at twenty-six he had completed his studies and emerged from the mountains, only to find that not only did the heroic spirit of men like the General of the Guard, Liu of Yuzhou, and Cao Fenwu far surpass his own, but even a youth of the same commandery and the same age from years past had today once again left him far, far behind!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And setting aside these strange emotions, Guo Fengxiao’s words had likewise opened a brand-new door for Xu Yuanzhi. The latter had not been incapable of thinking about matters from this angle, along this line of thought, but had always been constrained by his experience and his mother’s teachings of loyalty and filial piety, unwilling to ponder deeply… Now, enlightened by the other’s words, he suddenly understood: the realm was not equivalent to the House of Han. There was no problem with being loyal to the House of Han, but one could also stand tall and proud in this world by being loyal to the realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the matter of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.” Guo Jia continued with a smile. “For several years, Hebei’s autumn harvests have been abundant, and the granaries are piled high. At a time like this, it is precisely right to take out the old grain, worn cloth, and new coins from the storehouses and put them to use, so they are not wasted… That is why the post roads are being rebuilt and the river channels cleared; the Bronze Sparrow Terrace is merely one part of this! Moreover, the Bronze Sparrow Terrace is not some rumored palace. I have had the good fortune to see the plans for this terrace: buildings are erected atop a rammed-earth high platform, and of these, the living quarters for the General of the Guard and his family account for only one or two parts in ten. Instead, three parts are assigned to the Hall of Literature, three parts to the Martial Arts Platform, and beneath the terrace are grounds for reviewing and assembling troops! In fact, the General of the Guard has long said that if he can one day unify the realm and bring peace within the seas, he will certainly renovate the old capital or Chang’an, and then build three terraces upon the Wei or Luo rivers… One terrace for the Imperial Academy, one for the Retainers’ Military Academy, and one modeled exactly on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, dedicated to literature and martial arts. Not only that, but Yecheng, Changping, Chengdu, Taiyuan, Xiapi, Moling, Xiangyang — every one of them must have such a terrace! Only thus can literature flourish, can scholars and commoners uphold martial valor, and can all hearts under heaven be won! Gentlemen, do not presume to recklessly speculate on the General of the Guard’s aspirations with your petty and shortsighted minds!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I had long heard of the reputation of Guo Fengxiao of Yingchuan, but only upon meeting you today do I realize I still underestimated you.” After a moment, Liu Bei finally answered slowly amidst the dead silence. “Your words can truly be called impassioned and stirring…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It is the General of the Guard’s conduct, his aspirations and words, that inherently carry a spirit of fervor; I, Guo, merely had substance to draw upon when recounting them.” Guo Jia finally turned his head to look at Liu Bei. “However, Liu of Yuzhou need not be overly modest. That you could come here today with such light escort already possesses three-tenths of the General of the Guard’s bearing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei answered with silence, and only after a long while did he slowly nod: “Let us observe for now. My elder brother devotes his mind to Chang’an and shoulders the affairs of the realm; he is naturally stronger than I. But this mere territory of Xuzhou, for now, no matter what, let my brother Mengde and I manage it for the time being.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This mere territory of Xuzhou, the General of the Guard does not take it too seriously, but we who serve as ministers below must strive fiercely over it.” Guo Jia suddenly placed his hand on his sword and smiled again. “Here in Xiapi, here in the heart of Xuzhou, Tao of Xuzhou and Liu of Yuzhou have long had private arrangements between them; we naturally will not make trouble. But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you intend to say that the Qingzhou naval forces will sail south across the sea, circle behind General Zang of Langya, and coerce him into surrender, then please spare your words.\" Liu Bei suddenly roused himself to respond. \"Ever since the affair of crossing the sea from Liaodong to Qingzhou in years past, no one under Heaven dares to slight naval forces anymore. And the sea-going vessels, with their sharp bottoms, high sides, and slender hulls, are utterly different from river boats — that too is plain at a glance. Before coming, I already dispatched my subordinate, Naval Captain Zhou Yu, leading forty sea vessels and ten thousand naval troops, to sail north along the coast from Guangling...\" At this point, Liu Bei glanced at Zhang Fei, who stood silent at his side, and could not help pausing briefly. \"I would never dare oppose my elder brother, but having been entrusted with Xuzhou affairs by Tao of Xuzhou today, can I be denied the right to defend this territory?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That is only natural.\" Guo Jia's expression shifted slightly. He also shot a look at Guangling Grand Administrator Zhao Yu, the only one who had stepped forward earlier to parry with Liu Bei, and at Tao Qian, who remained silent and merely pressed his forehead while coughing. Then Guo Jia smiled as usual again. \"We too are merely doing our utmost after obtaining the General of the Guard's permission... But, Liu of Yuzhou, there is one thing you have inevitably mistaken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What thing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What if General Zang has long since submitted to Guan of Zhendong, and this southward movement of the Qingzhou naval forces was originally meant to attempt to seize Donghai?\" Guo Jia countered with a smile. \"Of course, should they encounter the naval forces of Liu of Yuzhou, I imagine Donghai would naturally be beyond their reach.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Bei was uncharacteristically stunned, but he fixed his gaze firmly on the young man before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guo Jia, however, paid no further heed. He merely cupped his hands slightly and was about to leave Wang Lang and the entire hall full of Xuzhou officials — whose minds had already turned to paste — behind, departing first... Evidently, although he and Wang Jingxing traveled the same road, each served a different master; they were not men of the same system at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fengxiao, hold a moment.\" Just then, Liu Bei suddenly called him back. \"Matters have reached this point; more words are useless... I ask you, sir, to remain and serve as a witness!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the watchful eyes of Chen Deng and the others, Guo Jia smiled and returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gentlemen.\" Liu Bei collected his emotions, stood once more at Tao Qian's side, and raised his voice so that it shook the roof tiles. \"Today, Tao of Xuzhou has permitted me to administer the land of Xuzhou on his behalf. Do any of you still harbor doubts?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the hall, high and low, they looked at one another in dismay, feeling that their earlier conduct had been as laughable as children's games before the heroes of the present age. Even Tao Qian's posture of a decrepit old man on the verge of death made their hearts tremble with fear. Who would still dare doubt?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, even Ze Rong, whom Chen Deng and Xu Shu had originally identified as likely to stir up trouble, was now trembling with fear and did not dare utter a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you gentlemen have nothing to say, I, Bei, have a few words to speak in advance.\" Liu Bei continued to raise his voice. \"Tao of Xuzhou treats others with leniency, hence much has been left unchecked. But today, Liu Bei temporarily takes charge of Xuzhou affairs... Langya and Pengcheng aside... wherever Liu Bei's authority can reach, offices above the rank of village and precinct ninth-grade may not be privately conferred. That is the first point!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Gui, Mi Zhu, and the others were silenced like cicadas in winter, all lowering their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The people of the military colonies shall return to public regulation; they may not be used for the private benefit and profit of great clans. That is the second point!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Deng was momentarily stunned, but his face could not help flushing ever redder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though the Buddha-dharma exhorts men toward virtue, it may not gather crowds in aimless wandering and squander public funds. That is the third point!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ze Rong clenched his fists and then loosened them, wanting to speak but stopping himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Survey the fields, clear the households, abolish the recommendation system and establish prefectural academies and civil examinations — the new policies shall commence immediately. That is the fourth point!\" As he spoke, Liu Bei calmly pulled up his sleeves, then rested his hand on the sword at his waist, looked around, and asked with a sidelong, overbearing glance. \"These four matters — I hope you gentlemen will bare your arms and pledge with me. Are you willing to follow?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hall was utterly silent, yet no one stepped forward first to follow and swear the oath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, amid the dripping rain outside the door, someone suddenly hurled an object inside, then entered with sword in hand... The crowd turned their heads in shock, only to see that the object was the severed head of Xu Dan, the Danyang Troops Captain who had slipped out at some unknown moment. As for the one entering with sword in hand, it was unmistakably that Xu Shu of Yingchuan, who had been following behind Hua Tuo all along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This man took advantage of the rain to go outside the courtyard and seek out his old unit, plotting to summon the Danyang troops from the south bank of the Sishui River to stage a revolt here. I have already cut him down directly!\" Xu Shu was drenched through, panting heavily as he answered, yet he could not help looking at Guo Jia, Guo Fengxiao, who had turned back to look at him. \"The overall situation is settled, yet he recklessly plotted rebellion — can Shu's execution today be called just?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just!\" Liu Bei, thinking the man was looking at himself, immediately answered with head held high, and the appreciation in his eyes was exceptionally clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just!\" Tao Qian, after coughing twice, also replied through gritted teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Just!\" The third to speak was Chen Deng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after Chen Yuanlong shouted this word loudly, he drew his blade from its sheath and came before Liu Bei, then turned to face the many Xuzhou dignitaries and prominent officials below the hall. He simply used the blade to slash open his own sleeve, bared his arm with force, and declared: \"Liu of Yuzhou is a hero of the age, and Xuzhou has long been in chaos. To implement new policies and return to the mainstream of the realm is only natural... Today, I ask Liu of Yuzhou to take charge of Xuzhou affairs, and I also ask all of you to immediately bare your arms, swear an oath, and follow — or else be like this sleeve!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every man in the hall turned pale. They looked first at Chen Deng, then at Liu Bei, then turned back to look at Xu Shu inside the door, and finally looked at the severed head on the ground. Thereupon, vying with one another, they all bared their arms and swore the oath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a single day, the overall situation in Xuzhou was settled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————I am the dividing line that absolutely will not add extra chapters————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the fifth year of Jian'an, in the third month, a commoner found a bronze sparrow by the banks of the Zhang River. The Grand Ancestor was greatly pleased and ordered the construction of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. All his attendants remonstrated, but the Grand Ancestor would not listen. In the fourth month, Hebei was greatly shaken, and the attendants remonstrated again. The Grand Ancestor collected the remonstrance letters and displayed them to the public, while construction of the terrace continued as before. Chief Clerk Lu Fan was puzzled and inquired of the Grand Ancestor. The Grand Ancestor replied: 'Heaven and earth, the sun and moon, the four dimensions — all have their connections; this is the resonance between Heaven and man. Yet now the various Confucians use this to challenge a single man — what is the explanation? Therefore I display it to the public. As for the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, it is truly what my heart desires, and I dare not decline it.' Fan then laughed.\" — New Book of Yan, Volume 2, Annals of the Grand Ancestor, Emperor Wu\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: This is tonight's chapter. No need to wait further tonight. Also, a correction: the previous chapter was at 151k, and now after this chapter it is 164k... This month has exceeded the quota. Shall we count the extra as additional chapters for the Silver Alliance? Is that acceptable?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5687,"2026-06-04T19:42:52.587Z",1,"Novelzhen Translator","b6ed8a0acd35aca640453b5c0396cbb8ca4c78dfb074016ccad3c72959d1c44c","overthrowing-han-chapter-449","overthrowing-han-chapter-447",548,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Foverthrowing-han-cover.jpg"]